Strep-o-Caca

Our family has an unwanted visitor that is lingering around and refusing to leave. It's Strep. No matter how many vitamins we take, or how clean our home is, this little booger keeps attacking my family and taking them down one by one.

First it was my husband. The day after we got back from Wisconsin he woke up with it. Then my oldest son got it this weekend. I got it the day after he did. Fortunately I got treated right away before it got too bad.

Last night I was on the computer and I heard a weird noise. It sounded like someone was peeing but missing the toilet. I went upstairs to find my 5 year old sound asleep standing on his bed and peeing on the floor! I tried to wake him up and he would not. I had to clean up the mess and he slept through all of the commotion. When all was as it should be, I went to bed with the thought that something wasn't right with him.

Sure enough he woke up at 5AM crying. He had thrown up and was running a fever. Strep has hit him, I am sure. Out of all of us, he has got it the worst. I hope my 9 month old does not get it.

So, I have had my hands full lately dealing with this rude visitor. Once we get back from the Dr. I will be scouring and scrubbing and sanitizing today to kick this mo-fo out of my house for good.

As far as food goes, I may have to make something warm and comforting in my crock pot today...

The Supermarket Tour

I uncovered this gem online earlier today. I am in the process of reading this and feel it is worth sharing. There is a lot of valuable information regarding how supermarkets lure you to buy foods that are not good for you. It goes into great detail to explain how produce is altered with many chemicals and processes before we put it in our baskets. I always thought apples were safe to buy non-organic because of their hard skin, and I was WRONG!

I love how it refers to genetically altered foods as Frankenfoods, lol!

Take a look!

The Super Market Tour (Adobe Document)

Sunday Shocker

My 11 year old has strep throat. It seems to be making it's way around my family and I am knocking on wood, avoiding cracks in the sidewalk and throwing salt over my left shoulder in hopes of steering clear of getting strep!

My husband had it last week and he bought some sore throat drops. He gave them to my son to ease the discomfort. Austin, being the savvy label reader he is came downstairs to show us the cough drops have Hydrogenated palm kernal oil and hydrogenated coconut oil in them!!

I never fathomed this stuff would be in sore throat lozenges of all things! I'd rather chew on eucalyptus leaves than put that stuff in my body!



It is really scary. You really do have to read the ingredients on everything nowadays!!

Knowledge is power!

No Fuss Breakfast

It's hard to eat healthy on the go. With my boys I often find myself pulling my hair out trying to get them presentable and packed up for school. It can be extra hard to prepare a quick wholesome breakfast for them to take on the go.

That is where these breakfast sandwiches come in handy. I'm not talking about those greasy Jimmy Dean Microwaveable sandwiches! If you have eaten those you should take a peek at the ingredients, they are loaded with chemicals and saturated fats!

I prefer to make my own and believe it or not you can make these warm breakfast sandwiches in 5 minutes!

All you need is:

1 English Muffin
1 Egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp butter or spread
1 slice cheese of your choice (I used swiss)
dash of salt and pepper

Get a small bowl and spray the bottom with cooking spray
Add egg and milk and beat slightly - just enough to mix and break the yolk
season with salt and pepper if desired
Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute
While cooking pop muffin in toaster
Egg should be ready after 1 minute but microwave cooking times vary so you may need to add 30 seconds if egg is not firm
Spread butter on muffin
Add cheese to bottom half
Get a fork and separate egg from bowl - Egg should look like this:



Place egg on top of cheese. Leaving the top off, put muffin in microwave for 15 seconds just to melt the cheese. Remove and place top on sandwich. Enjoy while hot!



This holds up well in the car on the way to school. Especially on chilly days like it was for us this morning! It makes for a nice car ride when both my boys can't argue because they are enjoying their breakfast! ;)

Picture Share!

Here are some pictures from our cuisine yesterday.

My son wanted pizza for lunch so I grabbed the bag of Pita Pockets and did not cut them in half. We brushed olive oil seeasoned with herbs on the crust, then tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and chose our toppings. I chose green olives and Zach chose Bologna and green olives! Yeah - he's 5 so it seems everything he eats has either bologna or a hot dog in it! We topped our individual Pitzas with more cheese and herbs, popped them in the oven and broiled them for about 5 minutes.

We sprinkled some fresh parmesian cheese (from Wisconsin!) on them and Viola! Lunch is served within 10 minutes time!

Here are some pictures of our Pitzas:

My Green Olive Pitza





Zach's Bologna & Olive Pizza
(It actually looks pretty good!)



Later that afternoon it was super rainy so we made Orange Almond Pumpkin Cookies.

I used a basic Pumpkin Cookie recipe and added the Orange and Almonds at the last minute and they turned out Yummy!


(Pumpkin)

Here is the recipe:

1 stick of butter (I used Smart Balance 50/50 unsalted)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 small can organic pumpkin puree
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tsp orange extract
2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I used Pumpkin Pie Spice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped Almonds


DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, applesauce, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix in pumpkin, egg, orange extract and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in almonds. Drop dough by small spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool on wire racks.

Zach & I frosted the cookies like pumpkins. Here is the frosting recipe:

Orange Maple Butter Frosting

2 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 tsp orange extract
1/2 teaspoon maple flavored extract
(I used 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup - Also from WI!)
Food Coloring to desired color(s)

Beat the butter or margarine, confectioner's sugar, milk, orange and maple flavorings in a bowl until smooth. Add more milk or confectioner's sugar as need.

Divide the frosting in two bowls, add green food coloring to one for the pumpkin stems and add yellow and red food coloring to the other for orange!

Frost and enjoy! These are DELICIOUS...and that's NO Lie!!!!!

Finally here are the Photos for my Smothered Burrito Recipe. I took them last night during dinner. They turned out so yummy! I did not have black beans on hand so I used white great northern beans and it was a hit with the whole family - except my picky 5 year old who ate another Pitza! Grrrr


(Burrito)


(Burrito)

Enjoy your Hump Day!!!

Tuesday Tidbits

Nothing says lovin' like comfort food! You don't have to skimp on quality ingredients to make a nice warm filling dinner your whole family will love!

Tonight I am making Smothered Burritos. I replaced the white flour tortillas with Whole wheat tortillas. Be sure to read the ingredients because I've been fooled by "Whole Wheat" tortillas in the past. They bleach out the wheat flour and use hydrogentated oils. Always read the ingredients!! No matter what the front of the package says. I cannot stress that enough! I use Tyson boneless skinless breasts, and natural cheese. We loaded up on locally made Wisconsin cheese during our visit. What a difference in taste!

My recipe for Smothered Burritos is actually compiled of two recipes. You can make the Sour Cream Salsa Chicken as a main entree or shred it and use it for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, whatever you like!

Smothered Chicken Burritos

(Serves 4-6)

Start with Sour Cream Salsa Chicken in Crockpot Recipe:

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
1 cup salsa
1/4 cup light sour cream

Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Add the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with Taco Seasoning. Top with salsa. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. When ready to serve, remove the chicken from the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream into the salsa mixture.

Now for the Burrito part!

6 whole wheat flour tortillas
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1/4 cup diced green onions
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 small cans of Green chili enchilada sauce. (Check label on this too! Some have MSG and lots of corn syrup in them!)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Shred the chicken breasts top with sauce mixture. Place in pan and simmer on low heat. Add beans, onion, 1/2 can of the diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Add seasonings and stir. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle in 1 cup of cheese.

Pour 1 can enchilada sauce on bottom of prepared casserole dish. Stuff tortillas with mixture from pan and roll. Place Burritos in pan side by side and pour remaining can of sauce on top. Add remaining half can of diced tomatoes on top and place in oven for 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and add remaining cup of cheese on top. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with spanish rice and a nice green leafy salad.

I also wanted to share with you that my friend Grocery Mama is selling our Church cookbooks for a good cause. Our church, The Orchard Church is selling cook books to help send 12 people on a missions trip to the Philippines this week. They are leaving October 24th and will be back November 2nd!

To raise funds for the trip, the team is selling cookbooks. The cookbooks are $12 each and include 160 recipes from members of our church. I have to say that I have eaten a lot of food from my fellow church members and we are blessed to have AMAZING cooks at our church!

Best of all if you order a cook book - Grocery Mama will pay the shipping & handling!

Check out the details HERE

This week I will be posting for my You Are What You Eat: Fridge Edition! This will be my 2nd contest so I hope to see a lot of action here! Details to come!

Hodge Podge

Ok so I made the Squash Stew last night and it was really good. I boiled down the squash so the soup was a nice creamy texture and then added all the veggies. I forgot to add the diced tomatoes and it still tasted great but I think the tomatoes would have added even more to the dish. I do plan to add this to my recipe box and make again. I plan to post a picture once I get all my vacation photos downloaded!

In the meantime here is a recipe of my own I am sharing! I hope you like it!!

Tamara's Spaghetti Squash Toss

1 medium spaghetti squash
2 tsp olive oil (I also use grapeseed oil)
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup diced green onion
1 can diced tomatoes - drained
1 cup diced mushrooms
2 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)*
1/4 cup of parmesian and/or romano cheese
*For a spicier option toss in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Optional - garnish with chopped fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts

To prepare spaghetti squash, Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Use a sharp knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise and place, cut side down, in a baking dish.

Add enough water to come 1/2-inch up the sides of the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for 45 minutes, until the squash is easily pierced with a paring knife. Turn squash over and cover with foil again and continue to cook another 15 minutes, until the squash is very tender.

Remove from the oven, uncover, and allow to cool slightly. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and discard. Using a fork, gently pull the strands of squash away from the peel and place the squash strands into a mixing bowl.

Warm large skillet on stove. Add olive oil and heat. Add garlic and cook stirring contantly for about 30 seconds. Add diced mushrooms and green onion and cook until juices run from mushrooms and they are glazed.

Add cooked spaghetti squash and stir to mix mushrooms and onions. Add diced tomatoes and spices. Toss as you cook so everything is mixed thoroughly.

Serve immediately and top with shredded cheese and garnish (if desired)

Lastly - since my kindergartner is home from school today I have been scouring the internet for some fun Halloween crafts. Here are a couple I plan to do with him today. I specifically was looking for crafts with items I already have around the house!

Horr-edible Hands found on Familyfun.com



These shiver-invoking popcorn treats make great Halloween hand-outs.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Clear plastic gloves (available at beauty supply stores)
Candy corn
Cold popcorn
Yarn

1. Stick one candy corn at the tip of each finger inside the glove, pointy side up, for fingernails.

2. Fill the glove with popcorn and use a piece of yarn to tie a bow at the wrist.


Salt Dough Ghosts



This craft project is one your kids will quickly get into the spirit of: shaping a batch of mini sprites to use as party decorations or favors. For an even spookier effect, add these easy-to-make Paper Bag Trees

CRAFT MATERIALS:
1 cup flour
1 cup salt
1/2 cup water
Bowl
Wooden spoon
Fine-point permanent black marker

1. Combine the flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth.

2. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each into a ghost, flattening the base so it will stand up.

3. Microwave the ghosts on a plate one or two at a time for 20- to 30-second intervals until the dough is fairly firm (about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes in total). Let the ghosts cool (they can get quite hot).

4. Use a fine-point permanent black marker to draw on eyes and a mouth.

So if you find yourself at home with a young one try these fun & cheap Halloween crafts!

I'm thinking of adding some food coloring to my salt ghosts and making salt pumpkins and bats too!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Superb Squash!!

I love fall for many reasons. Dressing in layers makes me feel thinner, watching the leaves change colors, getting ready for the holidays, and squash is bountiful and cheap!

I love making new and exciting recipes using all kinds of squash. For the next few days I will be posting great Squash Recipes.

Tonight I am having Chicken with Acorn Squash Stew. It is starting to get chilly here in the evenings and we have a ton of Acorn squash so I am tweaking a recipe I found to suit what my family likes.

Here it is:

Creamy Chicken & Acorn Squash Stew
Serves 6

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless) cubed

1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 1/3 cups chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
4 cups acorn squash diced & peeled
2 cups cubed & peeled potatoes
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth (you can use vegetable stock too)
1 cup evaporated milk (I use fat free)
1 (14 1/2- to 16-ounce) can diced tomatoes with liquid
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons parsley (or for extra kick add fresh cilantro)

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in large pan. Season with salt and pepper the brown diced chicken and transfer to a plate.

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic; sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, cumin, and cinnamon; & nutmeg stir 1 minute. Return chicken to pot.

Add squash, potatoes, broth and tomatoes. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.

Uncover and simmer until chicken and potatoes are cooked through and liquid is almost absorbed, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.


I'll let you know how it turns out!!

Ooooooh I found something FUN!!!

My friend Grocery Mama has a link to a Blog called The Secret is in the Sauce and they are having a Blog-a-thon today!! I have never heard of a blog-a-thon but when I popped over there I saw they are giving out super cool prizes like every hour!

Come join the fun here!



It's a great chance to explore new and exciting blogs!! I love making new friends in the blogging world!! Since my blog is new - I always welcome new friends!!!

- Happy Treasure Hunting!!!

Grocery Mama's blog can be found here!



I need to make myself a neat photo linky thingy soon!! Any idea how I can make one??

OK so I have been blog hunting and I found so many awesome blogs - I cannot list them all here but here are a few unique and inspiring bloggers!!

Some of the SITS Bloggers I Discovered are:

Jenn's Pen


Pennies In My Pocket



Something to Blog About

Diamonds Fur & Laundry

Whew! Home from Wisconsin

Road trips are always an adventure. In the past part of our adventure was the places we would stop to eat. All of them were fast food grease pits that left us groaning in pain because we would all stuff our faces then climb back in the car and sit for long periods of time.

Packing all healthy alternatives in a couple of coolers this time around was GREAT! We ate sandwiches and pretzels and veggies and fruit. We were not bloated and having to stop every couple of hours. We had lots of food left over to bring on the trip home. I plan to travel by packing good healthy meals for our trips from now on. We did stop once on the way back and had a burger because my husband wanted hot food. It was ok but I preferred the sandwiches over that burger any day!

Our eating habits slipped a little. We stayed with my mother in law and the kids get spoiled by Grandma. Wisconsin is known for Friday night Fish Fry and we went out for that. I got a bad case of heartburn after eating a couple pieces of fried fish. The following Friday I opted for baked fish tacos which was much healthier! My husband loves these potato chips they only have in the Midwest called Old Dutch Potato Chips - his favorite flavor is Dill Pickle.



I tried these chips for the first time and they are soooooooo good. They are vinegary with salt and real dill. I was happily munching on these chips when I thought to look at the ingredients. I know chips are not healthy but I allow myself to enjoy some things in moderation. I was bummed when I saw that these chips have MSG in them. I bet they could be just as good without that darned MSG! Grrrrrrrr.

Another Wisconsin tradition is to drink. Not really for any special reason they just like to drink and be merry. My favorite beverage is the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. You can get it sour too. I like it both ways but had it sweet more often. No one here in Denver knows how to make it right so I love going there to drink it. I had to look up a recipe for it and found one here: http://wisconsinology.blogspot.com/2007/11/real-state-drinkis-not-beer.html

I noticed people in Wisconsin like to pickle everything. It took me a few trips to really get used to some of the things they eat. I finally got the nerve to try pickled brussel sprouts and now I can't get enough of them! The put everything they pickle in their drinks and I have to admit these Old Fashioned drinks are not the same without a pickled brussel or mushroom on top!

Another huge activity out there is hunting. Deer seems to be the big game out there. I have eaten deer in the past, as my Father in law is a big hunter. I am not a fan of deer meat unless it is the tenderloin and it is wrapped in bacon. I don't particularly like the mealy taste of deer meat. This time he made elk and it took me a while to get up the nerve to try it (can you tell I am not the adventurous type?) I have to admit I really liked elk meat. Apparently it is really lean and just as good for you as chicken breast. I have also heard this about Buffalo meat.

All in all I really enjoy going to Wisconsin. It is like a different world out there. People actually take time to stop and smell the flowers. The trees are amazingly beautiful this time of year as they turn their fall hues. Everywhere you look yards are brightly decorated with pumpkins and lights celebrating the arrival of fall and Halloween. People actually listen and dance to Polka music. The wedding we went to was Catholic/Polish and it was so fun to watch them get out there and dance to the Polka Band all night. My husband's whole family is living in the heart of Wisconsin and someday when we can get out from under our home we hope to join them out there. Sure it is damn cold in the winters and there are ticks and monster sized mosquitos in the summer but I can put up with those things to give my family the gift of getting out in the woods and sharing traditions. Enjoying their Grandparents and taking in life at a slower pace where all that matters is gathering around a campfire and rocking out to polka tunes.